Chery Tiggo’s Pauline Gaston. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Pauline Gaston had a bittersweet feeling as she gave a glimmer of hope to Chery Tiggo’s dimming semifinals chances while booting her former team, Choco Mucho, out of the race in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
Gaston, who decided to sign with the Crossovers after two seasons with the Flying Titans, haunted her ex-team with an all-around performance of 12 points, 19 digs, and 14 excellent receptions.
The outside spiker admitted she missed her previous squad but she kept her composure when facing them to end the three-game skid of Chery Tiggo.
“When I saw them, I really missed them. They are still complete, I was the only one who left. But I just tried to set my emotions and played professionally. I guess it’s an advantage for me because I know them and their tendencies. I guess I was able to contribute in this game a lot because it’s my former team,” said Gaston in Filipino after their 25-21, 25-19, 25-19 victory over Choco Mucho.
After Choco Mucho missed the semifinals for the third straight conference, Gaston still expressed her tremendous respect for the Flying Titans.
“I have great respect for them and I think they played really well. It’s bitter-sweet [feeling],” she said.
Gaston, the former Ateneo captain, attributed her stellar game to her teammates, especially Mylene Paat, who led the way with 25 points.
“I really have to thank my teammates and my coaches because they gave me an opportunity and I felt their trust. And I’ve been working hard because Mylene Paat inspires us,” said Gaston in Filipino. “And everyone in the team is exerting a lot of effort like EJ Laure, Shaya Adorador, and our middles. I was able to adopt the kind of character they have because we keep on pushing each other to reach the top. I think it was a collaborative effort.”
“For me, I’m always ready and I trust the coaches, I trust my teammates regardless if my number gets called or not,” she added.
Chery Tiggo, which holds a 4-3 record, has to win its final elimination game against Petro Gazz (5-2) and hope for current No.4 PLDT (4-2) to lose its last two games to enter the semis.